Alpine PXE-H650

Product highlights:

• system integration sound processor for use when adding amps to a factory system
• four sets of preamp outputs (front 1, front 2, rear, and subwoofer)
• IMPRINT sound technology with a 512-band EQ and time correction
• manually adjustable 3-band parametric EQ
• high- and low-pass filters
• included microphone allows custom sound shaping for your vehicle

Features:

Overview: The Alpine PXE-H650 System Integration Audio Processor accepts input from nearly any factory or aftermarket radio, removes any existing equalization, and adjusts to overcome acoustic shortcomings of the specific vehicle’s interior. A preamp signal then feeds your aftermarket amplifiers and speakers, allowing a substantial sound quality upgrade without sacrificing any OEM features (CD changer, DVD system, satellite radio, Bluetooth integration, etc).

Input: The 5-channel auto ranging input will accept either speaker level or line level inputs. Typically the 5 channels are front left/right, rear left/right, and subwoofer. If the factory system has no subwoofer, that input is not used. A left/right tweeter and left/right woofer signal is also compatible. If you have an aftermarket head unit with preamp outputs, the RCA input can be used instead.

Auxiliary Input: When the auto ranging input is used for the main signal, the RCA inputs can be used for an auxiliary source.

Output: There are seven RCA outputs:

• Left/Right Front (1): high-pass; use for tweeters in a bi-amp front component set
• Left/Right Front (2): band-pass or high-pass; band-pass for woofers in a bi-amp front component set or high-pass for a component set (not bi-amp) or full range speakers
• Left/Right Rear: high-pass; rear speakers
• Sub: single subwoofer output jack

Auto Ranging Input: Once connected, the first step in the automatic calibration is measuring and compensating for the factory output so each channel is at the correct level. Before starting, the balance and the fader are centered, and the volume is set to approximately 3/4 (the volume on the factory radio is left here, future volume adjustments are made using the PXE-H650’s remote control).

AntEQ: Next, playing the included setup disc, the AntEQ analyzes the factory radio output relative to the fixed test sound patterns, and removes any equalization; creating a flat, full range signal.

MultEQ: After the AntEQ has created a baseline (flat) input signal, the Audyssey MultEQ uses the setup disc and included microphone to measure the effect the car has on the test track output. Absorption by soft surfaces, reflection by hard surfaces, and delay caused by speaker placement are measured at several listening positions (4 minimum, 8 maximum). Once the data are collected, an EQ curve is created to correct the coloring of the sound by the car’s interior and each channel (up to seven) is time aligned to optimize the image at the first two listening positions (the first two positions are memorized as user presets). Optimum crossover points (if needed) are also measured and saved for each channel.

Sound Customization: You can further tailor the sound to your personal taste after the Audyssey MultEQ has corrected for the listening environment. Each channel has a 3-band parametric equalizer, additional time correction, and crossover adjustments.

Equalizer: The EQ is adjusted for each channel individually and separate curves are memorized for the Auto Ranging and Aux inputs:

• Level: the three bands range +/-6 dB in 1 dB increments
• Q: the width of the EQ band is adjustable from 0.5 to 2.0 in 0.5 steps
• Frequency: the center frequency each EQ band is adjustable:
  • Bass: 30, 40, 50, 60, 80, 100, 125, or 150 Hz
  • Midrange: 500, 750, 1k, 1.5k, 2k, 3k, 4k, or 5kHz
  • Treble: 6k, 7.5k, 10k, 12.5k, 15k, or 17.5kHz

Crossover: Each set of preamp outputs (Front 1, Front 2, Rear, and Sub) has an adjustable crossover:

• Front 1: this high-pass tweeter output is only used if you bi-amp the front component speakers; adjustable from 200 Hz to 5 kHz, the slope is 12 dB/octave
• Front 2:
  • Bi-amp: when you bi-amp the front speakers this becomes a band-pass crossover; LPF: 200 Hz to 5 kHz, HPF: 50 Hz to 200 Hz, both 12 dB/octave
  • Not bi-amp: when you don’t bi-amp the front speakers this is a high-pass crossover; 50 Hz to 200 Hz and 12 dB/octave
• Rear: high-pass crossover; 50 Hz to 200 Hz, 12 dB/octave
• Subwoofer: low-pass crossover; 50 Hz to 200 Hz, 12 dB/octave